lomita chamber

November 18, 2024

2025 Lomita Chamber Installation & Awards Night

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SAVE THE DATE!
Whodunit Mystery Chamber Installation & Awards dinner
January 30, 2024

San Pedro Elks Lodge | 5:30pm – 8:30pm

Join us for an evening of intrigue and celebration as we install our 2025 Board members and honor outstanding businesses and individuals, and welcome incoming Board Chair Tracy Maestro. The night will feature an exciting mystery dinner!

Seeking Sponsors!

Partner with us to make this unforgettable evening possible. Multiple sponsorship opportunities are available, offering exposure across event materials, social media, and more. Spotlight your brand at this event!

Contact us today to get involved!

July 10, 2024

Understanding Access Laws: ADA Guidance for California Small Businesses

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Small businesses in California must comply with various state and federal disability access laws. Non-compliance can result in significant costs from defending and settling lawsuits.

Key Accessibility Laws

Federal Law: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires businesses to make accessibility improvements to their premises, ensuring that entrances, aisles, bathrooms, service counters, and other features are accessible to people with disabilities. Barriers should be removed if doing so is “readily achievable.”
California State Building Code (Title 24): Compliance is required for new constructions and renovations. This includes making the main entrance, primary paths, and associated features accessible. If construction costs are below a certain threshold, additional accessibility modifications are limited to 20% of the construction expenses.
California Civil Rights Laws: Laws like the Unruh Civil Rights Act and the California Disabled Persons Act ensure individuals with disabilities can fully use and enjoy all business establishments. Violations of the ADA also breach these state laws, which can result in substantial damages in lawsuits.
Senate Bill 1608: This legislation, known as the Construction-Related Accessibility Standards Compliance Act, offers protection against lawsuits for businesses that employ a specially trained expert known as a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) and adhere to their recommendations. Learn more about these inspections here.

Important Reminders

Compliance with building codes does not exempt you from disability rights laws.
The responsibility for compliance primarily lies with your architect and contractor.
Even if the building department approves, you are still accountable for any access violations.

Steps to Reduce Lawsuit Risks

Hire a CASp: They will assess your premises for accessibility barriers and provide an inspection report, which can help if you are sued.
Review and Follow CASp Recommendations: Ensure your premises comply with access laws and remove barriers over time.
Utilize Tax Incentives: Tax credits and deductions are available to offset accessibility improvement costs.
Address Complaints Promptly: Take complaints seriously and seek professional and legal advice to prevent escalation to litigation.

How Can I Fund Access Improvements?

Tax incentives may be available to help mitigate the costs of making accessibility improvements. More information on ADA tax incentives can be found here: https://www.ada.gov/taxcred.htm. Consult your tax advisor for specific advice.

Additional Resources:

Department of Justice: https://www.ada.gov/
CA DOJ Resources for Small Businesses: https://oag.ca.gov/civil/resources-ada-businesses
ADA Business Connection: https://archive.ada.gov/business.htm
ADA Guide for Small Businesses: https://archive.ada.gov/smbusgd.pdf
DOJ toll-free ADA information line: 1-800-514-0301 (voice) or 1-800-514-0383 (TTY)

Disclaimer:

This information is provided as general guidance and should be reviewed by an expert in the industry. The Lomita Chamber does not endorse or make any guarantees about the suggestions noted here. This information does not replace professional advice from an advisor knowledgeable about disability access requirements. It is not legal advice. For specific concerns, including lawsuits or significant legal issues, you should consult with an attorney who specializes in disability access law.

July 8, 2024

California Employers Required to Have Workplace Violence Prevention Plan in Place

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As of July 1, 2024, most California employers are required to have a Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP). The WVPP must comply with key requirements of the new law, which will be enforced by Cal/OSHA, who may issue citations and penalties for violations.

Per the employment law attorneys at Chase Law Group (a Lomita Chamber member):

“The new law defines workplace violence as “any act of violence or threat of violence that occurs in a place of employment.” Workplace violence may include the “threat or use of physical force against an employee that results in, or has a high likelihood of resulting in, injury, psychological trauma, or stress, regardless of whether the employee sustains an injury.”

Click here to read more about this new law and how it may apply to your business.

Should you have any questions regarding your company’s employment law concerns, contact an employment attorney for guidance.

December 12, 2023

Announcing New Lomita Chamber Board Members for 2024

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The Lomita Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that five new board members will join the full board of directors in January 2024 and recognized at the Installation Gala on February 8, 2024. The board is an all-volunteer group that guides the mission, policy setting, and governance of the Chamber as they serve the Lomita and South Bay business community.

Joining the board for a first 3-year term are Andrew Aparicio of Element Outdoor Living dba The BBQ Element, Laurie Glover of Silverado Memory Care Communities, Jane Lau of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services CA, and Steve MacAller of Torrance-South Bay YMCA. Tracy Maestro of California Water Services Company is reappointed to serve a second three-year term.

“We welcome our new board members to the Chamber team. The addition of our new board members significantly enriches our team, bringing a diverse range of perspectives crucial for navigating our business landscape in Lomita,” said Heidi Butzine, Lomita Chamber President/CEO.

Additionally, Jeff Koven of Koven Video Productions is serving as a one-year appointee and Mary Hornickel of The Wellness Company and Danielle Boujikian are serving as two-year appointees.

Board members continuing to serve their terms are:

Jennifer Olvera, of Coastal Funeral Center/Green Hills Memorial Park, will serve a second term as Chair of the Board, Tracy Maestro of California Water Service will continue to serve as Chair-Elect, Paris Chevalier of South Bay Credit Union will continue to serve as Treasurer, Sharon Shapiro-Fox of Athens Services will serve as Secretary and Heidi Butzine of Lomita Chamber will serve as Immediate Past Chair.

Tabitha Pennington, State Farm Agent
Jan Vogel, South Bay Workforce Investment Board
Teresa Workman, Workman + Kemp Real Estate Co.
Mark Waronek (ex officio liaison), City of Lomita

The following board members will complete their term at of the end of 2023 or have moved on from the Lomita Chamber board of directors during this year:

Erik Bowman – Localista Media
Mark Hardaway – Ecospin Laundry/Happy Nest
Victor Ibarra – SoCalGas

The Lomita Chamber is truly grateful for these talented and dedicated individuals’ years of service toward the guidance and continued improvement of the organization.

December 11, 2023

Minimum Wage Increase January 1, 2024 ($16.00 Per Hour)

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Starting January 1, 2024, all California employers, regardless of size, must adhere to a minimum wage of $16.00 per hour. (Salary for exempt employees will rise to at least $66,560.)

Certain areas within California, like the City of Los Angeles ($16.78) and unincorporated Los Angeles County ($16.90), have higher minimum wage rates depending on where employees perform their work. These specific rates are set to be adjusted on July 1, 2024.

Learn more about the 2024 employment laws from Chase Law Group (a Lomita Chamber member):

Should you have any questions regarding your company’s employment law concerns, contact an employment attorney for guidance.

Join us for our webinar to learn more about the 2024 Employment Law affecting your business.

December 8, 2023

2024 Lomita Chamber Installation & Awards Night

SADDLE UP & PUT YOUR BOOTS ON
for a rootin’ tootin’ night on February 8th!

INSTALLATION OF LOMITA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2024-2025 LOMITA CHAMBER BOARD CHAIR: JENNIFER OLVERA
& HONORING OUTSTANDING AWARD RECIPIENTS

Join us for our annual Board installation and Business & Community Excellence Awards. Get ready to tip your hat to trailblazers and community heroes as we celebrate their grit and gumption.

We’ll be wrangling together to install the 2024 Lomita Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and honor those who’ve put in a heap of sweat and worked hard to help our community shine.

Giddy up as we recognize the folks who’ve been rustling up prosperity and goodwill throughout the town. It’s an evening brimming with western flair, where we’ll gather ’round for a good ol’ time with lively tunes, a feast that’ll have your taste buds two-steppin, and a chance to round up them memories with a quick draw of your camera!

So, grab your Stetson and your finest western wear and join us for a hootenanny that’s not just about handshakes and howdy-dos. It’s about celebrating the pioneers who’ve made a difference in our community. Y’all won’t want to miss this boot-stompin’, award-givin’, and board-installing shindig!

February 8, 2024

Social Hour: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Dinner & Program: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Music & Dancing: 7:30pm – 8:30pm

San Pedro Elks Lodge
1748 Cumbre Dr San Pedro, CA 90732

Spotlight your brand at this event!
Sponsorship packages available

BE A SPONSOR

GET TICKETS

Installation 2024 sponsor collage (IG) (4)

Need a Hat?

Saddle up in style
As a special treat, fellow chamber member Courtney Chavez and her family business O’Ryan Hat Company are offering hats for sale. A portion of the proceeds will support our Chamber.

Grab your hat online at: https://www.oryanhatcompany.com/
and enter the code ‘LomitaChamber’ at checkout.

Hats may be delivered and/or available for pick-up at the event. Please coordinate delivery details directly with the vendor.

GRAB A HAT

November 9, 2023

Corporate Transparency Act: Companies to Report Beneficial Owner Information for Enhanced Financial Security starting January 1, 2024

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Starting on January 1 2024, your company may be required to report information about the people who own or control it to the US Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). FinCEN promotes national security and protects the US financial system from fraud and abuse by criminals and corrupt officials.

Many corporations, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), and other entities created in or registered to do business in the United States will likely be required to report their beneficial ownership information to FinCEN. There are 23 categories of those entities that may be exempt including some types of larger companies, banks, credit unions, tax exempt entities registered with the IRS, and public utilities.

Per the employment law attorneys at Chase Law Group (a Lomita Chamber member):

“A reporting company will need to furnish various details, including its legal name and any trade name or Doing Business As (DBA), its address, the jurisdiction in which it was formed or first registered (depending on whether it’s a U.S. or foreign company), and its Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).”

Click here to read more about this new rule and how it may apply to your business.

Be sure to visit the US Treasury FinCen website for resources.

Should you have any questions regarding your company’s employment law concerns, contact an employment attorney for guidance.

August 23, 2023

2023 Lomita State of the City Event

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Video Recap: 2023 Lomita State of the City Breakfast Event

November 16, 2023 – The Lomita Chamber of Commerce proudly presented the 2023 Lomita State of the City Breakfast Event at the Lomita Park Tom Rico Center/Marc Fosnaugh Gym.

Over 150 people attended the event to hear the annual address based on this year’s theme: “Lomita is Looking Up” presented by the Honorable Mayor Barry Waite.

The Mayor was joined by Mayor Pro Tem Bill Uphoff and Councilmembers Cindy Segawa and Mark Waronek who highlighted representatives from various elements of the City. Guests had the opportunity to meet and engage with individuals from City Departments, Local Sheriff and Fire Personnel, School Representatives and the Business Community, fostering connections that drive positive change and a brighter future for all.

A special check presentation from Assemblymember Muratsuchi to the City of Lomita was held during the program whereby the Assemblymember successfully secured $300,000 for the Narbonne Avenue Water Main Replacement and Street Rehabilitation Project.

Thanks to the City of Lomita “Team Lomita” and the Lomita Chamber of Commerce volunteers.

Thanks to our 2023 Sponsors for supporting this event:

Athens Services
The Picerne Group
Southern California Edison
BB&K Law
Floral 101
Koven Video Production
South Bay Credit Union
South Bay Workforce Investment Board
So Cal Gas
Tripepi Smith
Coastal Funeral Center
California Water Services Company
Water Replenishment District
State Farm Agent Tabitha Pennington
Nickerson Insurance Services
Burnin Daylight Brewing Company
M&A Management

Special recognition to our event services for making the event extra special:
Ever’s Fantastic Cafe, Floral 101, Sprinkles N Stuff, Lomita Mail and Print, Koven Video Productions, Manhattan Beach Studios, and the Lomita Historical Society.

Lomita State of the City Event 2023 Eventbrite (7)

January 3, 2023

Pay Transparency Law

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As of January 1, 2023, California employers upon request must provide pay scale information to employees and applicants for the position the employee is working. Employers with 15 or more employees must include pay scale information for the position in job postings. Employers with 100 or more employees must also report number of employees by race, ethnicity and sex by pay bands and job categories.

Employers should prepare accordingly by reviewing their HR policies related to salary data and making sure they have clear policies regarding confidentiality of this information among employees.

January 3, 2023

Minimum Wage Increase January 1, 2023 ($15.50 Per Hour For All California Employers)

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On January 1, 2023, California’s minimum wage increased by $.50 to $15.50 per hour. Certain cities, including the City of Los Angeles is $16.04 per hour and Unincorporated Los Angeles County is $15.90 per hour.

This is the first of a series of annual increases that will bring up California’s minimum as inflation and CPI increase.

The new minimum wage applies to all employees who work in California for employers subject to both federal and state laws.

Per the employment law attorneys at Chase Law Group (a Lomita Chamber member):

“Employers must pay their employees pursuant to whichever law affords employees the highest minimum wage. Also increases in the state minimum wage requires that exempt employees must be paid twice the state minimum wage for full-time employment (40 hours per week). Therefore, as of January 1, 2023, most exempt salaried workers must be paid no less than $64,480 to retain exempt status.”

Should you have any questions regarding your company’s employment law concerns, contact an employment attorney for guidance.

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lomita chamber

SAVE THE DATE!Whodunit Mystery Chamber Installation & Awards dinnerJanuary 30, 2024

SADDLE UP & PUT YOUR BOOTS ON for a rootin’ tootin’ night on February 8th!

February 8, 2024

Spotlight your brand at this event!Sponsorship packages available

Need a Hat?

Hats may be delivered and/or available for pick-up at the event. Please coordinate delivery details directly with the vendor.

Video Recap: 2023 Lomita State of the City Breakfast Event

Thank You Chamber Partners & Sustaining Members

SAVE THE DATE!
Whodunit Mystery Chamber Installation & Awards dinner
January 30, 2024

SADDLE UP & PUT YOUR BOOTS ON
for a rootin’ tootin’ night on February 8th!

Spotlight your brand at this event!
Sponsorship packages available